Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Iowa Acceleration Scale

Hi,
Does anybody know if the Iowa Acceleration Scale is solely used for "whole grade acceleration", or can it be used for "single subject acceleration". The school appears to have no formal policy regarding "single subject acceleration", but it has a policy for "whole grade acceleration". They said the same standards apply for both whole grade acceleration and single subject acceleration.

The IAS addresses whole grade acceleration, and all the myriad factors that can contribute to success or failure in that. It does not address single-subject acceleration, because that does not represent an immersion into a new group, and all of the dynamics that involves. Being the youngest kid for one hour a day is obviously not the same as being the youngest for seven hours a day.

It seems to me that when the school says, "The same standards apply," the first thing they should be doing is telling you how they define those standards. They may not be using the IAS at all.

Thank you for the quick response. On the district's website it indicated that they use the Iowa Acceleration Scale. Since I do not yet have a copy of the manual, I was looking for something to present to the district or at least be certain I know what I am talking about. I think that possibly somebody is mistakenly using the IAS to gauge "single subject acceleration" readiness. Any help would be appreciated.

While the Iowa Acceleration Scale (IAS) is for whole grade skipping, some schools may use the IAS to prepare a complete record of a student's scores and "thoroughly discuss the case and to consider other curricular options and recommendations for the student." (quote from IAS Manual, page 34)

"Other curricular options" may include single-subject acceleration such as you are seeking for your child.